CRUISING SEASON & PRICES
We cruise all year around - as long as there are good winds and interested sailors. Our overnight cruises generally depart by 10 a.m and return by 5 p.m.
BOAT CHARTER PRICES FOR 2013 * Note: these are Skipper-Instructor Assisted charters |
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|---|---|---|---|
| BOAT | 2 DAYS |
3-4 DAYS |
5 + DAYS |
| October to end March | 650 |
575 |
550 |
| April to end June | 700 |
650 |
625 |
| July and August | 800 |
700 |
675 |
| September and October | 700 |
650 |
625 |
*The above prices (per day) are in Canadian dollars and do not include a 5 % tax
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What's Included: Skipper/Instructor providing sailing instruction, all park permits and mooring fees, and all items necesary for cruising and living aboard, such as pillows, pillow cases, sheets and blankets (or sleeping bags), towels and wet weather gear, the use of fishing and crabbing gear and inflatable.
What is not Included: food and drinks. The charge for us supplying these will be $25. per person per day. You may elect however to do all the provisioning for crew (and Skipper) yourself.
OAK BAY DEPARTURE POINT
Ibis, our principal sail boat leaves from Slip 37, the end of C Dock, Oak Bay Marina. C Dock is the first dock you encounter at the bottom of the ramp leading down to the marina (if you look to the left of the ramp you may notice splashing seals begging to be fed).
There is plenty of free parking at the Marina. Should you wish food or drinks (or washroom facilities), there is a coffee shop on the bottom level of this marina and a fine dining restaurant on the second - overlooking the harbour
Do you want to familiarize yourself with sailing, develop some sailing skills, or find out the kind of boat you should buy, or just want to find out if sailing is for you? Then join us for an overnight cruise of the Gulf Islands or areas north as far as Desolation Sound. We normally start from our base in Oak Bay (Victoria area). Our pace will be as leisurely as the group decides. Sometimes we can match you up with others to form a group. But usually we charter to persons who organize themeselves. Unless you are a family, 4 persons is a good number for the boat as there willl also be a Skipper-Instructor accompanying you.
Our emphasis will be on giving all participants a "hands-on" sailing experience so that they might feel more confident and safe on the water. As such, no boating experience is required. You will be given sail training by an Instructor with Canadian Yachting Association credentials. Experience gained will be of value in pursuing higher levels of CYA instruction and further confidence and enjoyment in boating..
An important reason in going with a Skipper-Instructor, is that he will be familiar with the boat and the area you will be cruising: know where good anchorages and swimming holes can be found, answer your questions about wildlife, trees and history and where good fishing (or good restaurants serving fish) can be found. But most important, your Skipper could reduce the stress level should any emergencies arise. And if you would like a good story teller around....
Good food, and time to prepare and enjoy meals is stressed. Our Beneteau has a fully equipped galley and features a comfortable salon and cockpit with a bimini shelter . Let us know if you have special dietery needs. We share most cooking and clean- up duties.
I bring along a variety of books on marine life, and natural history. My knowledge of this area has been gained by 15 years of experience both cruising and paddling the BC coast. If you have musical instruments and/or singing voices, bring them along !
An inflatable is towed along on our day and overnight trips. This enables us to go ashore and explore islands enroute. Fishing and crabbing gear are also taken along. If you would like to try your hand at kayaking, I can be convinced to take one along also.
Pleasure Craft Operator's Card (PCOC): This certification is now mandetory for all persons operating recreational pleasure craft (most types) in Canada on their own. If you require this course, I an provide this certification at a cost of $60. per person. The plasticiized card showing that you have passed this exam is good for life.
Video!
Here is on-board cruising experience with a family from Alberta, that might amuse. We started our cruise in over 25 knot winds in Oak Bay!